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Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta Salad

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A creamy, tangy pasta salad with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and a ranch cream cheese dressing, perfect for potlucks and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken preferred)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (full fat preferred)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup mayonnaise until smooth. Add 1 packet ranch seasoning mix and 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk, whisking to combine. Adjust milk quantity for desired consistency.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 6 slices crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup chopped celery, and 3 sliced green onions. Toss gently.
  4. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and fold gently until evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to prevent mushiness.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and salad firm up. Overnight chilling is recommended for best flavor.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Optionally garnish with extra green onions or cheddar cheese.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sogginess. Bake bacon on a wire rack for crispiness. Soften cream cheese fully before mixing. Chill salad for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Add celery and bacon just before serving if making far ahead to keep crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy chicken salad, potluck recipe, crack chicken, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-crack-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-potlucks/